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Alumna gives back to University

A University of Botswana Alumna and Dare to Dream Foundation Leader, Captain Kgomotso Phatsima, has signed an agreement with the University of Botswana to sponsor the best excelling graduate in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects for the academic years 2019-2025.

Vice Chancellor, Professor David Norris, signed for the University while Botswana Defense Force pilot and Dare to Dream Foundation leader and founder, Captain Kgomotso Phatsima, signed on behalf of the foundation. The awards will be titled Captain Kgomotso Phatsima Award for Best Excelling Graduate in any STEM Faculty for Academic Year 2019 – 2025. The awards are in recognition of her contribution towards motivating and inspiring young people to appreciate science subjects.

Speaking at the ceremony, Professor Norris said Dare to Dream Foundation advanced the interest of young woman and girls in STEM subjects, aviation and business leadership skills. Professor Norris commended Captain Phatsima for her efforts towards changing other people’s lives by introducing the awards to promote and mentor young people in aviation and leadership.

“It rhymes with us as the University because we want our graduates to be all rounded upon leaving our institution and to be competent in areas of business,” said Professor Norris.

Meanwhile, Captain Phatsima said her career choice started as a dream motivated by her desire to board an aircraftat young age. She thus appreciated the Botswana Defense Force for offering her the opportunity to realise her dream. Further, Captain Phatsima thanked the British High Commission and American Embassy for their support towards the foundation. She said they offered her the opportunity to benchmark in the US Aviation STEM’S.

Captain Phatsima also said she received two aircraft from the United States of America Silicon valley Aviation School to start the first aviation STEM in Botswana to teach young people about robotics and leadership.

Meanwhile, British High Commissioner to Botswana, Ms Katy Ransome, assured Captain Phatsima continued support to realise the mission and vision for her foundation. Ms Ransome also applauded Captain Phatsima for leading the way in changing the world through her critical role of motivating young people to learn and appreciate STEM subjects.

Other dignitaries who graced the event included United State of America Defence Force Colonell Scottish Morgan, Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BUIST) Vice Chancellor, Professor Otlogetswe Totolo,UB Deans, captains of industry and Botswana Defence Force representatives.